Regional Capitals Australia (RCA) has met with the Assistant Minister for Immigration Matt Thistlethwaite to press for population and migration policy changes that will unlock the potential of regional capitals around the nation.
RCA Acting Chair Cr Kevin Mack said regional capitals were at the heart of regional Australia and were ready to partner with the Federal Government to deliver sustainable growth.
“Regional capitals are liveable, affordable and attractive alternatives to big city living,” Cr Mack said.
“They are home to nine million Australians and provide essential services, education, healthcare and commerce to entire regions. With the right support, we can do even more,” Cr Mack said.
During the meeting held in Canberra earlier this month, RCA asked the Federal Government to:
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reform of the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) program to reduce complexity and facilitate uptake;
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maintain the specified work component of the Working Holiday Maker program and expand the approved industries to include tourism, hospitality and health across regional Australia (not restricted to Northern or Remote and Very Remote areas); and
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commit to increased funding for settlement services and supports, as well as social and cultural infrastructure.
Cr Mack said migration was essential to addressing critical labour shortages in regional areas.
“Across many sectors, but particularly in healthcare, agriculture and hospitality, thousands of jobs are remaining unfilled,” Cr Mack said.
“Regional migration is one of the most effective ways to meet these workforce demands while also helping new arrivals to build a life and strong connections in our communities,” Cr Mack said.
Cr Mack said regional population growth was accelerating, with regions experiencing their fastest growth since 2008. However, less than 17 per cent of the nation’s net overseas migration currently settled outside the state capitals. (1)
“Regional capitals are well-placed to balance Australia’s population growth,” Cr Mack said.
“With targeted immigration and consistent government support, they can meet workforce demand, ease housing pressures and continue to be vibrant, sustainable communities,” Cr Mack said.
RCA wants to work with the Federal Government to ensure regional capitals attract investment, resources and policy settings to thrive.
“Our nation’s population is growing. The challenge is to ensure that growth is balanced, sustainable and directed where it’s most needed,” Cr Mack said.
“Regional capitals can be the solution to easing pressures in the state capitals and we want to work with the Federal Government to make it happen,” Cr Mack said.
Pictured above is the Regional Capitals Australia delegation in Canberra (from left) Broken Hill City Council Deputy Mayor Cr Jim Hickey, City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim, RCA acting Chair Cr Kevin Mack, Assistant Minister for Immigration Matt Thistlethwaite, Fraser Coast Regional Council Deputy Mayor Cr Sara Faraj and Fraser Coast Regional Council Mayor Cr George Seymour.